Cohabitation and Posttraumatic Growth in People with Acquired Visual Impairment: A Quantitative Study

Abstract This study aimed to examine the relationship between posttraumatic growth (PTG) and cohabitation status in adults with acquired visual impairment. A total of 168 individuals enrolled in vocational programs at schools for the blind across Japan participated in this study. PTG was assessed using the Japanese version of the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI-J). Based on responses to a self-administered questionnaire, participants were categorized into three groups: those living with a spouse, those living with other family members, and those living alone. The associations between PTG scores and cohabitation status were analyzed. Additionally, within each group, the relationship between PTG and dormitory residence was examined. After controlling for individual factors such as age, sex, and severity of impairment, the group living with a spouse had the highest PTG scores, while the group living alone showed the lowest scores. However, among those living alone, participants residing in dormitories exhibited significantly higher PTG scores than those not residing in dormitories. These findings suggest that daily emotional and practical support from a spouse or family member may contribute to greater PTG. Furthermore, for people living alone or unable to live with family members, sharing a dormitory or group-living environment with peers who have similar impairment and appropriate impairment accommodations may provide a supportive context that facilitates PTG, even in the absence of familial ties.